Anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL)

Anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL) is a rare type of fast-growing non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL). It develops when T-cells (also called T-lymphocytes) become abnormal. T-cells are white blood cells that fight infection.

The abnormal T-cells (lymphoma cells) usually build up in lymph nodes, but they can affect other parts of the body.

People with ALCL are divided into two groups. These are:

• ALK-positive
  This is where the lymphoma cells have a protein called anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK).
• ALK-negative
  This is where the lymphoma cells do not have the ALK protein.

Breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA-ALCL) is a very rare type of ALCL. It can develop in the breasts of people who have had breast implants. BIA-ALCL usually develops about 7 to 10 years after implant surgery but can sometimes happen earlier.

Although BIA-ALCL develops in the breast, it is not a type of breast cancer. BIA-ALCL is usually slow-growing.

If you are a healthcare professional, use our guide to find the right information and support for your patients affected by lymphoma. This explains the support available from Macmillan and from other trusted organisations.

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The causes of anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL) are mostly unknown. Breast implant-associated ALCL is more common in people who have an implant with a rough textured surface. It is thought that it may be caused by an inflammatory reaction to the implant, although this is not certain.

Like other cancers, ALCL is not infectious. It cannot be passed on to other people.

We have more information about causes and risk factors of non-Hodgkin lymphoma.

Your test results will help your doctors find out how many areas of your body are affected by lymphoma and where these areas are. This is called staging.

Lymphomas are also grouped as either low-grade or high-grade. Low-grade lymphomas are usually slow growing. High-grade lymphomas usually grow more quickly. Anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL) is a high-grade lymphoma and normally develops quickly.

Breast implant-associated ALCL is usually diagnosed at an early stage. It is a low-grade lymphoma.

Knowing the stage and grade of the lymphoma helps your doctor plan the right treatment for you.

We have more information about the stages and grades of non-Hodgkin lymphoma.

People often have many different feelings when they finish lymphoma treatment. You may feel relieved that treatment has finished, but worried about what will happen in the future. 

You will have appointments with your lymphoma doctor or nurse less often than before. But at the same time, you may have new challenges to cope with and things to think about. 

We have information below about some of the things people ask about after lymphoma treatment. But you may have other questions or need information about something else. If there is something you want to talk about at any point after treatment, you can:

• call the Macmillan Support Line free on 0808 808 00 00
• chat to our specialists online
• visit our Online Community to talk to people who have been affected by lymphoma, share your experience, and ask an expert your questions.

The organisations below also offer information and support:

You will have regular follow-up appointments after your treatment. You can talk to your doctor or nurse about any concerns you have at these appointments. Your doctor will want to know how you are feeling, and to check you are recovering from any side effects of treatment.

You may have some ongoing side effects as you recover from lymphoma treatment. You can use our impacts of cancer A-Z to search for information about managing different symptoms and side effects. Or find out more about side effects of treatment for Hodgkin lymphoma or treatment for non-Hodgkin lymphoma.

Sometimes side effects may continue or develop months or years after treatment. These are called late effects. We have more information about long-term and late effects of treatment for lymphoma.

It can take time to recover after lymphoma treatment. Some days you may feel better than others. 

It is important to know where to get support or information if you need it. People often need support even some time after lymphoma treatment. But sometimes it is difficult to know who to ask for help. To find support:

• ask your GP or someone from your cancer team for advice about support in your area
• search cancercaremap.org to find cancer support services near you
• call us free on 0808 808 0000 or talk to us online - our cancer information and support specialists can offer guidance and help you find what you need. 

Our course Help to Overcome Problems Effectively (HOPE) helps people during and after cancer treatment. It is a free, interactive, group based, self management support course. It runs for 6 weeks, with each weekly session lasting 2.5 hours. To find out more about HOPE courses in your area, email ServiceOpsSupport@macmillan.org.uk

A healthy lifestyle can help speed up your recovery. Even small lifestyle changes may improve your well-being and long-term health.

Other useful information

• Just been diagnosed?
• Physical impacts of cancer and treatment
• Help with money and work
• Cancer and your emotions
• Trouble sleeping
• Tiredness (fatigue)
• Uncertainty
• Walking (mobility) problems
• Coping with pain